With the Unimog U 20, Mercedes-Benz is opening a new chapter in the history of the legendary Unimog: the light Unimog implement carrier represents a new addition to the current line-up of Unimog vehicles. The Unimog U 20 with 7.5 t to 8.5 t gross vehicle weight features a new, independent cab design. Outstanding manoeuvrability as well as permanent all-wheel drive and many auxiliary equipment options ensure a high level of performance and utility.

Multipurpose implement carrier based on Mercedes-Benz components

The new Unimog U 20 combines the outstanding technology of the Unimog with a low vehicle weight and remarkable manoeuvrability at a reasonable price. For example, the new Unimog U 20 uses the chassis and drive technology of the classic Unimog, but with a wheelbase shortened to 2700 mm. This reduces the turning circle to a diameter of less than 12.8 metres, making the Unimog 20 an extremely compact and manoeuvrable workhorse. The height has likewise been reduced, to about 2700 millimetres — which is especially important for low-clearance passages.

The U 20’s curb weight is 5.1 t including a 2.25-metre-long tipping platform (Euro 4 package with winter service equipment). With a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 8.5 tonnes this allows for 3.4 tonnes of auxiliary equipment and/or actual payload. Users who don’t require a full payload therefore have the option of purchasing the U 20 with a total gross vehicle weight rating of 7.5 tonnes.

At the same time, the U 20 is an enormously flexible high performer. The rated axle loads of 4.5 tonnes (front) and 4.6 tonnes (rear) can support the attachment of implements. This ensures that the vehicle’s users will reap the benefits of its high flexibility and profitable year-round use: for example, the Unimog U 20 allows the convenient use of front mount boom mowers or of 3.4 metres wide snowploughs with 1.5 cubic metre-capacity automatic road-salt spreaders. The new light Unimog U 20 implement carrier features mounting points that are identical with those on its “big brother”.

The Unimog U 20 is also equipped with tipping hydraulics, optionally with standardised dual-cycle winter service hydraulics, a PTO shaft gearbox in front, a PTO auxiliary drive from the gearbox, plus a mounting plate in front. This combination makes it possible to operate many different implements.

Chassis with permanent all-wheel drive and portal axles

At the same time the new Unimog U 20 has been engineered as a truck for professionals. A permanent all-wheel drive with three differential locks is included as a matter of course, as are portal axles with a high ground clearance and single tyres, size 315/60 R 22.5, or 335/80 R 20 MPT.

The new Unimog is powered by the four-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 904 LA turbodiesel. It produces 115 kW (156 hp) from a total displacement of 4.25 litres. The engine, which is equipped with BlueTec diesel technology, satisfies the EU’s Euro 4 emissions standard. Its power is transmitted by the UG 100/8 mechanically operated eight-speed manual transmission, which can be expanded by eight working gear speeds. At a speed of about 1.5 km/hour at the nominal engine speed in low gear, the Unimog U 20 can also be useful in slow-speed operations. Yet the gear ratio in the highest gear is sufficient for a speed of 90 km/hour. Unlike other implement carriers, the U 20 is therefore extremely well-suited for high speeds and can readily use freeway connections to move between work sites.

Cab-over-engine design with all-steel cab

Unlike the U 300, the new Unimog U 20 is equipped with a newly-developed, all-steel, over-engine cab. The radiator grille with its centrally positioned Mercedes star symbol shows the “family resemblance” to the U 300, as do the main headlamps in the bumper. The over-engine cab ensures an excellent field of vision. The cab is easily accessible through wide-opening doors and has plenty of room for three people. The driver is seated behind an elegantly curved and highly functional dashboard, and the steering wheel is adjustable in height and angle of tilt. Analogous to the U 300, operation of the optional hydraulics is controlled by a joystick in the centre console.

To allow service access to the powertrain and components, the cab can be tilted out of the way without tools — a standard equipment feature and a first in the history of the Unimog. Between the cab and the tipper platform, there is adequate room for mounting objects and implements, such as a loading crane or stowage chests with tools and materials that can be stowed, readily accessible, outside the tipper platform.

A wide range of possible uses

Beyond its wide range of uses in municipal service or by independent service providers, the new Unimog U 20 is also well suited for applications in the building trades, for gardening and landscaping and by utility companies. Mercedes-Benz will roll out the new Unimog during the second half of 2007. The price will lie substantially below that of the U 300 — a strong argument in favour of the Unimog U 20, especially in an era of tight public budgets.

The Mercedes-Benz Unimog U 20 at the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2006

The Unimog U 20 exhibit for this show sports a Brilliant Silver paint job. It has been equipped for winter service with a front PTO shaft and has a gross vehicle weight rating of 8.5 tonnes.

The two Unimog product lines, U 300 – U 500 and U 3000 – U 5000, are packed with fascinating technology. While the Unimogs of the U 300 – U 500 product line are extremely flexible implement carriers, the vehicles of the U 3000 – U 5000 series stand out by virtue of their extreme off-road capability.

Gross vehicle weight ratings from 9.5 to 16 tonnes, and each model with a choice of two wheelbases and two engine outputs: this is the basis of the Unimog U 300, U 400 and U 500. Permanent all-wheel drive, portal axles with high ground clearance and coil springs, single tyres, differential locks front, rear and centre, transmission with up to 24 gears, and electropneumatic reversing transmission are just a few of the “technological treats” of this production series for professionals. Mercedes-Benz maintains close partnerships with leading implement manufacturers both in Germany and abroad, which makes it possible for the Unimog to serve as the perfect workhorse, for instance as a municipal service vehicle.

State-of-the-art cab design using fibre-reinforced materials

In a Unimog of this product line, the driver is seated in a state-of-the-art driver’s cab, made of fibre-reinforced materials and providing all-round visibility. All essential operator controls for the equipment units are consolidated on the centre console. In mid-2007, standard vehicles of this series will be equipped with the Isobus control system, a worldwide first in technology for municipal service vehicles. It supports the operation of implements made by different manufacturers from a single terminal.

Another new feature in the Unimog U 300 – U 500 is the range of engines that feature BlueTec diesel technology and are compliant with Euro 4 EU emission standard, which will go into effect in autumn of this year. The line-up of four- and six-cylinder in-line engines available in the OM 904 LA and OM 906 LA series ranges from 115 kW (156 hp) in the U 300 to 210 kW (286 hp) in the most powerful model, the U 500.

The Unimog U 500 Black Edition: the exclusive off-roader

In cooperation with the Brabus vehicle tuning specialists, Mercedes-Benz has created the Unimog U 500 Black Edition. It combines superior off-road capability with a masterfully crafted elegance inside and out. The elegant silhouette is shaped by a platform with integrated sidewalls, an extravagant bumper, a polished stainless-steel roll bar, and an upward-swept chromed tailpipe. The interior of the U 500 Black Edition is resplendent with carbon furnishings, Alcantara trim, and sport seats upholstered in the finest mastic leather. These features are complemented by a leather steering wheel and aluminium pedals.

The U 3000 – U 5000 product line: unequalled in all-terrain use

Extreme off-road capability and virtual indestructibility are two of the most important characteristics of the Unimog U 3000 – U 5000 product line. Major options for each of the three Unimog models U 3000, U 4000 and U 5000 include two different wheelbases, one or two engine outputs and gross vehicle weight ratings from 7.5 t up to 14.1 t.

The engines of this Unimog product line feature BlueTec diesel technology and are fully compliant with the Euro 4 EU emission standards. For markets outside the EU, however, engines are still available in the Euro 3 versions. The Euro 4 four-cylinder turbodiesel engines of the OM 904 LA and 924 LA production series cover an output range from 115 kW (156 hp) with 610 Nm of torque to 160 kW (218 hp) and 810 Nm.

At the IAA Commercial Vehicle Show 2006, the Unimog/Special-Purpose Vehicles Unit presents a U 400 vehicle for dual-use service in the transition periods of spring and autumn, a display of the flexibility that’s typical of the Unimog and its capability as a “dual moneymaker”. For these areas of application, the Unimog is equipped with a front mount boom mower and an automatic road-salt spreader from Schmidt. A second show vehicle from this product line is a Unimog U 500 Black Edition. A spectacular Unimog U 5000 with a Massias tank-pumper superstructure for fighting forest fires proves that the Unimog U 3000 – U 5000 product line is an ideal choice for a very diverse range of applications.

Mercedes-Benz Econic: new generation, new look, new details, new engineering

New: cab significantly upgraded inside and out

New: rear axle more robust, chassis optimised

New: engines with BlueTec diesel technology according to Euro 4
and natural gas powerplants according to EEV

With sales of more than 6000 units in eight years, the Mercedes-Benz Econic has long since become the measure of all things for municipal vehicles with low-floor cabins and has worked its way to an outstanding market position. Now a new Econic is being presented, one that again sets new standards and reflects the customers’ needs.

Cab significantly upgraded inside and out

On the exterior, the new Econic now takes a cue from the Actros and Axor range: a matte black, V-shaped air-intake with a black perforated panel adds a new touch visually and underscores the dynamism of this fast and manoeuvrable special-purpose vehicle. Another new feature relates to the passenger-side folding door: its clear width was increased by 100 mm to 620 mm.

Inside, the new Econic offers a full range of upgraded appointments. The driver now steers the truck with the easy-grip steering wheel from the Axor. The fore-and-aft adjustment of the driver’s seat has been increased by 45 per cent, or 70 mm. Rounding out the new features in the cabin are different floor coverings and seat covers, a handle on the passenger-side hinged door, and a new, modular co-driver’s seat system, now with an imitation-leather seat cover, too.

Rear axle more robust, chassis optimised

In terms of technology too, the new Econic has benefited from significant further development. All models now have a rear axle with a load-bearing capacity of 13 tonnes instead of the previous 11.5 tonnes. More than ever, this makes it possible to adapt the Econic to specific transport duties. Now it enjoys the benefit of new shock absorbers, especially useful in tough municipal services applications. The shock absorbers lead to significantly improved driving stability and directional stability, tighter handling and an increase in roll stability.

The engine brake and constantly throttle are upstream of the service brake. Thanks to the automatic engine brake function, this arrangement preserves the service brakes and extends the lifetime of the brake linings. At the same time, the driver’s job is made easier, because every touch on the brake pedal automatically operates the engine brake.

The Econic is now powered by diesel engines that satisfy the EU exhaust emission standard Euro 4 and are based on the innovative BlueTec diesel technology. Thanks to SCR technology and optimised combustion, both exhaust emissions and fuel consumption are lower. As an alternative to the diesel engines, the Econic is available with an extended range of engines using the innovative NGT natural gas technology from Mercedes-Benz. Their emissions fall below the limits of EEV, currently the most stringent exhaust emissions standard.

Refuse collection superstructure with hybrid drive

The many new features are being presented on the basis of a Mercedes-Benz Econic 2628 GLL with a natural gas drive complying with the EEV emissions standard. The engine output is 205 kW (279 hp) with a displacement of 6.9 litres. The Econic being presented is therefore particularly environmentally friendly: for all practical purposes, it emits neither soot nor particulates and ensures very quiet driving. The three-axle truck with its rear-loader waste collection superstructure from Geesink-Norba is ideal for municipal and private-sector service providers. Because of the electric drive in the superstructure, this Econic is even considered a hybrid vehicle. The power transmission for the superstructure is accomplished by water-based hydraulics.

The superstructure is powered electrically when the engine is stopped; the gas engine is switched off during this time to minimise the impact on the environment. The two battery packets are recharged while on the road and at night at a recharging station. Since the power transmission for the superstructure uses water instead of hydraulic fluid, any leak in the hydraulic system will not lead to contamination of the soil or groundwater.